Applications to export avocados to Japan for the 2019 season have been opened by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR).

If you are in a recognised Queensland fruit fly free area, and interested in exporting, contact Export Coordinator Joy Tang at export@avocado.org.au or call 07 3846 6566.

Farm and packhouse managers must complete the application form and submit the completed form to Avocados Australia by 7 June 2019. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Please download the documentation directly from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources by clicking here.

Key points from the DAWR Industry Advice Notice

• Only fresh avocado (Persea americana) fruit of the Hass cultivar are permitted to be exported to Japan.
• Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) protocol conditions apply to fresh Hass avocado sourced from officially recognised areas free from Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) in Western Australia and Riverland (South Australia).
• Avocados Australia will forward accreditation applications to the department.
  The department may conduct audits prior to confirming accreditation.

This article was prepared for the 17 May 2019 edition of the Guacamole.